Palm Exits Retail, Settles Treo LawsuitPalm Exits Retail, Settles Treo Lawsuit

And then there was one. Smartphone maker Palm says it?s planning to shutter 33 of its 34 retail stores, most of which are in airports, to better compete in the mobile market.For its Q2 2008, ended Nov. 30, Palm reported a loss of $9.63 million, compared to net income of $12.8 million for Q2 2007.

"We continue to focus our company around core business initiatives and are consolidating more resources behind fewer programs in order to compete most effectively,? the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company said in a statement. Palm will continue selling its products through carrier stores, resellers and online.

Separately, Palm also settled a class-action lawsuit filed by Treo 600 and 650 smartphone owners, who complained those models required repair or replacement beyond the norm. Palm is offering cash rebates to users whose Treo filed at least twice, and will also repair any Treo 600 or 650 that hasn't failed twice, but is outside of the original warranty.

For those who may be eligible, a detailed notice and claim form are available here.SmartPhoneToday, information